COVID-19
In Wuhan, China in December 2019 a novel human coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) was first identified (Wu et al, 2020). COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called Coronavirus. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is spread in sneeze or cough droplets. Current evidence suggests that the virus can spread as easily as the flu virus that circulates every winter. (HSE,2021) This virus spread worldwide and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation on 11th March 2020 (WHO,2020).
On December 8th 2020 the first Covid Vaccine by Pfizer was administered in University Coventry to Margaret Keenan, a 90-year-old Irish woman. According to
the New York Times (2021) on 12th June 2021 approximately 2.33 billion people were vaccinated against Covid 19. By the 27th of May 2021 Ireland has over 95% of those aged 70 vaccinated according to the Irish Times (2021).
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- a fever (high temperature – 38 degrees Celsius or above)
- a new cough – this can be any kind of cough, not just dry.
- shortness of breath or breathing difficulties.
- loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.
You may not have all of these symptoms. It can take up to 14 days for symptoms to show. They can be similar to symptoms of cold and flu.
If you have symptoms, do not attend a vaccination appointment if you have one scheduled.
You can call HSE Live on 1800 700 700 to request a new appointment date.
For up to date COVID guidelines, close contact tracing, test centre information and how to register to get a Covid 19 vaccine, please visit the HSE Covid-19 Page
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If you are currently caring for a loved one and need some help, “Care About You” will carry out a free assessment on the type of care your loved one requires. Contact us and a member of our staff will be delighted to help. We offer a prompt and efficient response.